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High speed electron tunneling device and applications

  • US 20020175273A1
  • Filed: 05/21/2001
  • Published: 11/28/2002
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/21/2001
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A detector for detecting electromagnetic radiation incident thereon over a desired range of frequencies, said detector having an output and exhibiting a given responsivity, said detector comprising:

  • a) first and second non-insulating layers spaced apart from one another such that a given voltage can be applied across the first and second non-insulating layers, wherein the first non-insulating layer is formed of a metal, and wherein said first and second non-insulating layers are configured to form an antenna structure for receiving electromagnetic radiation over the desired range of frequencies; and

    b) an arrangement disposed between the first and second non-insulating layers and configured to serve as a transport of electrons between said first and second non-insulating layers as a result of the electromagnetic radiation being received at the antenna structure, said arrangement including at least a first layer of an amorphous material such that the transport of electrons includes, at least in part, transport by means of resonant tunneling, and such that at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation incident on the antenna is converted to an electrical signal at the output, said electrical signal having an intensity which depends on the given responsivity.

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